OP here - really appreciate all the suggestions and links to brands I haven't heard of before. I really love the Bally, the Givenchy Antigona and of course the Bottega Veneta - to die for! Bottega has so many beautiful colors. But even though I could swing it, the Bottega prices are nuts and I'm not sure I could do that. I do need a handle drop long enough to sling over my shoulder comfortably - especially for fall/winter when I'll be wearing coats and bulkier clothing. I love the handle drop of my Ferragamo for that reason. (And yes I have the ivory and love it!) I hate the look of carrying a fancy bag in the crook of your elbow.

For that reason I think the Bally and Antigona might not work sadly. The Bottega is tempting but I also like the Tod's that a PP posted. It's nice that it has a zipper. Another thing I love about my Ferragamo is that it has a closure - not a full zipper but a latch. Not sure where around here I could see the Tod's? I might go to Saks soon to browse their selection.

And while I absolutely don't care what anyone thinks, just to reiterate, I do actually go to the office now although during March/April it was different. I can't work from home at all. I've worked really hard in my career for 20 yrs, paid off over $200k in student loans and been promoted to the top of my career track. So I enjoy a few indulgences here and there, and they are nice to have and use.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where have you been using your bag? I mean, I've used mine maybe three times this whole time we've been home.

OP is still going to work.

Yeah, right. Someone has an active fantasy life.

Anonymous wrote:I worked this summer and make $3K. I am trying to wrap my brain around spending it all on one handbag. I’m eyeing one that costs around $160. Can I ask what you do that you can spend that much on handbags? Just curious.

<Not OP>
It's all relative. There are many people who can't imagine spending $100 on one bag.
I'm a well-compensated Fed agency professional (long tenure, specialized skills, advanced degree) and could well afford the $3K bag but it's just not my thing. Still, I get why some people are willing to spend the money for things that they really enjoy.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Actual question, not to be snarky - how are these investment bags bringing you joy under current circumstance? Are you taking them on basic errands to the grocery store and Target and takeout, or are you in a place where more fun options still exist?

OP here - - I have to go to the office b/c I work in a particular field where I can't work from home. While everything sucks these days it's a small thrill to get dressed for work and be in the office. A beautiful handbag makes it feel special too. I use it just for work, not home life.

Piggybacking on previous question...what do you do that can't be done remotely but where a $3k bag would be noticed and appreciated? All of the on-site jobs I can think of are either uniformed (like medical or military) or working class (retail, food service, construction, etc.).

Not OP but I assume it makes her happy because she herself loves it not because of what others think.

This. I can't stand places where people are focused on labels and brands, but I get the pleasure of using something that is really beautiful and well made.

Anonymous wrote:First, I LOVE that Ferragamo you bought. I was eyeing it myself but I could not justify it. I hope you got it in the cream.
Second, love the Bally the first poster linked to — there are a few others from them that caught my eye too. Also really like the strathberry. BUT my issue with these are they’re not shoulder bags but top handles. I love a top handle but for me at least it’s not as practical as a tote. Good luck!

PP here that posted the Bally. I agree that the handle drop is not truly for carrying on the shoulder, but OP's Ferragamp also has shorter handles so I went with it.

I love this Bally as well, and it has a detachable strap, but only comes in black so I didnt post it originally.

https://www.bally.com/en_us/women/bags/top-handle-bags/saphyr-womens-plain-calf-leather-top-handle-bag-in-black-6227112.html#start=1

OP, do you like any of the suggestions posted?

https://lotuffleather.com/

Seriously. Highest quality. No logos.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I worked this summer and make $3K. I am trying to wrap my brain around spending it all on one handbag. I’m eyeing one that costs around $160. Can I ask what you do that you can spend that much on handbags? Just curious.

Go for the $160 bag, pp. What bag?

I’ve been posting the recent links that are more modestly priced. While I earn nearly $200k, I can’t stomach spending more than $400 on a bag...and I prefer to keep it under $200.

I’m looking at this one in a navy blue stripe so I can use it all year around. I’m a teacher and this seems extravagant to me but I just paid off my credit cards and I have the cash for this.

https://www.barringtongifts.com/catalog/product/view/id/4023/s/cb527ap120j-264-1539572140/category/279/.html

https://www.ralphlauren.com/women-accessories-handbags/faux-leather-reversible-tote/0042784520.html?pdpR=y

This one is cute and reversible navy or navy/white stripe.

Love it! Thanks.

https://www.mulberry.com/us/shop/bags/classics/bayswater-classics/belted-bayswater-rust-heavy-grain

Cute! Interesting shape. Comes in multiple colors.

Mulberry makes a nice tote as well.

First, I LOVE that Ferragamo you bought. I was eyeing it myself but I could not justify it. I hope you got it in the cream.
Second, love the Bally the first poster linked to — there are a few others from them that caught my eye too. Also really like the strathberry. BUT my issue with these are they’re not shoulder bags but top handles. I love a top handle but for me at least it’s not as practical as a tote. Good luck!

Tods has some beautiful bags this season. LOTS of fashionista types were wearing them in Milan earlier this year

https://www.camillefournet.com/en/32-01-zipped-briefcase-in-tabacco-smooth-calfskin-and-bullcalf-leather

Modern structured French bag.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I worked this summer and make $3K. I am trying to wrap my brain around spending it all on one handbag. I’m eyeing one that costs around $160. Can I ask what you do that you can spend that much on handbags? Just curious.

Go for the $160 bag, pp. What bag?

I’ve been posting the recent links that are more modestly priced. While I earn nearly $200k, I can’t stomach spending more than $400 on a bag...and I prefer to keep it under $200.

I’m looking at this one in a navy blue stripe so I can use it all year around. I’m a teacher and this seems extravagant to me but I just paid off my credit cards and I have the cash for this.

https://www.barringtongifts.com/catalog/product/view/id/4023/s/cb527ap120j-264-1539572140/category/279/.html

https://www.ralphlauren.com/women-accessories-handbags/faux-leather-reversible-tote/0042784520.html?pdpR=y

This one is cute and reversible navy or navy/white stripe.

https://www.ralphlauren.com/women-accessories-handbags/calfskin-medium-rl50-handbag/0042384628.html?dwvar0042384628_colorname=Bordeaux&cgid=women-accessories-handbags&webcat=Women%2FShoes%20%20%20Accessories%2FHandbags#start=1&cgid=women-accessories-handbags

Another higher end RL fall bag. Multiple colors.

https://www.ralphlauren.com/women-accessories-handbags/pebbled-leather-lennox-tote/486410.html?dwvar486410_colorname=Saddle&cgid=women-accessories-handbags&webcat=Women%2FShoes%20%20%20Accessories%2FHandbags#start=1&cgid=women-accessories-handbags

Ralph Lauren does Fall very well!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I worked this summer and make $3K. I am trying to wrap my brain around spending it all on one handbag. I’m eyeing one that costs around $160. Can I ask what you do that you can spend that much on handbags? Just curious.

Go for the $160 bag, pp. What bag?

I’ve been posting the recent links that are more modestly priced. While I earn nearly $200k, I can’t stomach spending more than $400 on a bag...and I prefer to keep it under $200.

I’m looking at this one in a navy blue stripe so I can use it all year around. I’m a teacher and this seems extravagant to me but I just paid off my credit cards and I have the cash for this.

https://www.barringtongifts.com/catalog/product/view/id/4023/s/cb527ap120j-264-1539572140/category/279/.html

https://www.trinaturk.com/collections/handbags/products/two-roads-saffiano-tote

What about this one?

I like it but no top zipper.